We’re excited to be able to tell you that TalkCampus is available at Newcastle University!
So, what is TalkCampus?
TalkCampus is a mental health service which comes in the form of a free-to-download app. The service enables you to talk with other students from around the world if you’re struggling and are worried about your mental health. All you need to gain access to this service is your student email address.
Is there anything else I need to know before signing up?
TalkCampus is anonymous and it isn’t run by Newcastle University so we won’t be able to see if you are using it. Also, you won’t be able to see where other students are from. TalkCampus is based around peer support; you can use it if you need some help yourself or you can go and listen to and support others.
Is TalkCampus moderated?
Yes! The platform is safe and moderated and is designed to be a place where you can just be yourself and talk about how you’re really feeling. We understand that student life can be tough and we know sometimes that you might not want to talk to us about how you’re feeling. The TalkCampus team work with students who may be struggling and at risk to ensure they can access appropriate support.
If I use TalkCampus, will I still need further support from Student Health and Wellbeing?
It’s important to know that TalkCampus isn’t a replacement for counselling or professional support. However it can be a great place to start talking and to make sure that you know that you are not alone, no matter how you are feeling at the moment.
Can you tell me some more about the peer-support element of TalkCampus?
TalkCampus is a peer support community for students around the world to give and get support for the ups and downs of life, including coping with self-harm, depression, stress, anxiety and eating disorders. It’s support for students by students. TalkCampus does this by training a small number of students as community peer supporters and provides an online training programme to equip you with skills around how to support someone online including active listening, conveying empathy, self-care and supporting someone who is at risk.
How do you identify a TalkCampus peer supporter?
TalkCampus peer supporters are identified in the community via a badge as someone who has undergone training to be able to support others. If this is something you are interested in then this is a great opportunity to develop your support skills, to become involved in an incredible online community and to participate in an innovative volunteering programme. TalkCampus appreciates that student life is busy and at times can be tough so they don't require any specific shifts or set amounts of time for you to volunteer, they just ask that you are an active member of the community and support where you can. If this sounds like something you'd be interested to hear more about, the TalkCampus team would love to chat further! Register your interest to become a TalkCampus volunteer.
What if English isn’t my main language?
TalkCampus supports over 25 different languages so you can connect with others using whatever language you are most comfortable using. These include: Swedish, Dutch, Arabic, German, Russian, Romanian, Slovak, Czech, Polish, Hindi, Korean, Odia, Bengali, Urdu, Spanish, Tswana, Afrikaans, Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Welsh, French, Greek & Portuguese!
This all sounds great. But where can I download TalkCampus?
Downloading TalkCampus is easy and can be done via this site or directly from the app stores. Further information on how to set up TalkCampus can be found in this TalkCampus guide.
